Housecarers.com

Friday 3 January 2014

What a difference a year makes!

Teotihuacan Pyramids, near Mexico City
Mike and I in Mexico City
This time last year, my anxiety level was beginning to build. Worried by the sudden end of Mike's contract in New Jersey Dec. 7 and the prospects for a new one starting in 2013, I could not relax and enjoy the holidays as much as I did this year.  And my concern was warranted - I had no idea at the time that it would take until May 20 for anything substantial to begin.  Mike started a six-month contract for Chevron in Houston, which would turn out to include a two-month stint in Kuwait at an exceptionally higher rate than he was getting in Houston, which was pretty good anyway. 

We were deep in the hole after last winter, and got through it with a little (ok - alot) help from friends and family, so the income was a welcome relief.  In addition, the projects at Chevron that Mike is involved in provide the perfect opportunity to introduce our software into the mix.  It provides a key functionality that no-one thought was possible and will speed up and simplify the process.  For now, he is keeping it low-profile and just plugging into the project plan until it becomes self-evident.  Kind of like a "puppy-dog sale".  You know - leave the puppy with them for a while for free and they'll never give it back.  And - there are upgrade projects like these planned in outposts for Chevron all over the world in the next year....


This season has been so much better!  Mike flew in from Kuwait on Dec. 19 to Mexico City, where I met up with him for a three-day stay before flying on to Cozumel for a week.



Palacio del Bellas Artes, Mexico City


Zocalo Square, Mexico City

We stayed at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Historico Centro in Mexico City, a perfect location for getting out and walking around in the historical area.  

In Cozumel, we stayed at the Coral Princess which we liked very much for the direct access to deep, crystal clear water and coral reefs, and for the size and feel of the hotel.  We much prefer a smaller resort like this one, and getting into town was just a $5 taxi ride.


Cozumel is a popular cruise ship port city on an island off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.


Renting scooters to buzz around on is popular.






And now we are back in our apartment in Mazatlan.  On Jan. 6, Mike will fly to Houston for a week then back to Kuwait for three weeks.  We had a small get-together for our friends here last night.




So, what will 2014 bring?